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In 2022–23, more than 84 000 Australians were hospitalised for sepsis, and over 12 000 died. This is far higher than previous estimates of 55 000 cases a year and confirms what many of us see on the frontline: sepsis is more widespread, deadly and costly than previously understood.
The SARS-CoV-2 virus has caused enormous global healthcare challenges and further led to longer-term health complications for millions of infected individuals. Much remains to be learned about the virus, but one thing is clear: the SARS-CoV-2 virus can unleash widespread, systemic effects throughout the body due to its ability to cause damage to endothelial cells (termed endotheliitis). This process is associated with microvasculature dysfunction and is a major cause of the acute and chronic complications (Long-COVID-19) of the disease.
An Indigenous-led cancer prevention and care project will create better connections, communication, and cultural safety, in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Northern Queensland.
Even a short stay in hospital produces a large amount of waste. Just picture all the disposable items designed to be used once and thrown away: face masks, gloves, packaging, intravenous tubing, and even equipment such as stainless steel scissors.
New national guidelines for gestational diabetes (GDM) screening and diagnosis move toward international consistency, but gaps remain in psychosocial support, risk communication, and stigma reduction.
In 2025, Australia delivered free access to RSV immunisations for all infants. Early data show this initiative has prevented thousands of babies from being hospitalised, but the work of overcoming misinformation, ensuring equitable access, and encouraging acceptance continues.
Australia’s public hospitals are under severe financial strain, with the current National Health Reform Agreement dispute highlighting the system’s non-viability. In a compromised environment of constrained resources, government legislated work health and safety reform in public hospitals is not optional — it is urgent for all patients and staff — including those in training.
Senator David Pocock attended the Doctors for the Environment (DEA) Climate and Health Forum to discuss Australia’s greenhouse emissions.
Protecting and advancing gender equity, diversity, and inclusion in healthcare leadership is not only a moral imperative — it is essential to the health, resilience, and effectiveness of our workforce and systems.
